Busy hands | Disquiet mind

I have tried self-drafting basic blocks a few times before. Unfortunately I have not yet found any instructions that actually work for my body proportions. I have, however, gotten fairly competent at altering existing patterns. So how about I try that route instead?

Gertie's Ultimate Dress Book is a course in book form, about learning how to fit the basic blocks of dress patterns (from woven fabrics), and then mix-n-matching for near endless possible combinations. The Floral Day Dress project is the most basic there is; basic bodice, a-line skirt, no sleeves, all-in-one facing. The prefect place to start.

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V-neck bodice with a-line peplum, finished, front view
Photo by chebe

Simplicity 8228 is a stretch lace bralette and knickers pattern, in sizes from 32A-42DD, and XS-XL. For the bralettes, you prepare the fabric by spray gluing (with temporary fabric adhesive) the stretch mesh to the stretch gallon lace, before cutting. The panties are stretch knits, with stretch lace panels. Which is quite the process, so first I'm going to make mockups in just straight stretch mesh.

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And back to underwear. Pin-Up Girls Cheryl is a knit knickers pattern that had me puzzled for quite some time. Until I realised that it's a one-piece (plus crotch piece) pattern, with a single seam, down the centre back. Light-bulb moment.

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Things might seem a bit more random for the next while. I've been trying to not buy more fabric, which means I'm digging into my, sometimes quite old, stash, and working on projects I've been meaning to get to for some time. Particularly underwear.

Simplicity S9857 is a knit loungewear set, with trousers, cardigan, and bralette. Knits do not lend themselves to toiles, so instead we're going with hopefully-not-too-bad first versions.

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A while back I had an idea; "Very late pandemic meets teetering on the edge of another world war, and leaving the house is increasingly difficult." Which translates to a combat/cargo trousers amount of pockets, a punky/gothy number of superfluous bondage straps, but make it pandemic formal.

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Finished Mel joggers, front view
Photo by chebe